Wander Minnesota: The Summer Festival Kickoff
While there are festivals year-round across the state, summer is really prime time. The following is just a sample of what's going on in June. If you're planning on taking in some of the small-town festivals, plan ahead—some of these are huge events, and you'll want to make lodging/camping arrangements ahead of time.
Richmond
Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff
June 3-5
One of four annual festivals run by the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association, the Homegrown Kickoff offers live music, jam sessions, music classes, camping, and crafts and food.
St. Paul
Grand Old Days
June 4-5
St. Paul's Grand Avenue welcomes the entire family for entertainment, kids' activities, food, drink, art fair, parade—pretty much everything you need.
Grand Rapids
Wizard of Oz Festival
June 9-11
Previously known as the Judy Garland Festival, this is a celebration of all things Judy Garland, especially her best-known and much-beloved movie. Events include musical entertainment, various tours, The Wizard of Oz on the big screen, kids' activities, and Wizard of Oz Jeopardy.
Worthington
Worthington Windsurfing Regatta and Unvarnished Music Festival
June 10-12
A windsurfing championship combined with an indie music festival. Makes sense. See the website for this year's musicians.
Cass Lake
Chippewa Triathlon
June 11
Why swim when you can portage and canoe?
St. Joseph
The Caramel Roll
June 11
Go on a beautiful bike ride—and eat caramel rolls along the way. Could it get any better?
Mineapolis
Northern Spark
June 11
See the Cities after hours, and see what kinds of creativity take place.
Montevideo
Fiesta Days
June 12-19
Montevideo—the Minnesota version—celebrates its sisterhood with its Uruguayan counterpart. Parade, queen coronation, live music, dance, canoe races, and visits from Uruguayan dignitaries.
St. Paul
Germanfest
June 17-19
Started in 2014, this quickly became a highly popular event, but don't confuse it with Oktoberfest. This festival takes place at the Schmidt's Brewery, and there will be tons of German food, music, dancing, brewery and neighborhood tours, food demonstrations, and genealogic explorations.
Minneapolis
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
June 17-19
It's hard to imagine a more scenic location for this jack-of-all-trades festival: juried art show, Pop Art! Car display, and live music.
Rochester
Rochesterfest
June 18-26
A celebration of all things Rochester, this is a busy week: carillon concert; music and dancing; treasure hunt; historic walking tours; parade; and even a hot air balloon rally.
Virginia
Land of the Loon Festival
June 18-19
A celebration of the various ethnic groups that settled into northeastern Minnesota. Food, music, arts and crafts from around the world.
Winona
Great River Shakespeare Festival
June 22-July 31
The annual Shakespeare Festival offers three of the Bard's plays: As You Like It, Julius Caesar, and Coriolanus, as well as Georama by West Hyler, Matt Schatz, and Jack Herrick. See website for schedule and ticket information.
St. Cloud
St. Cloud Granite City Days
June 23-26
Celebrate the Granite City's heritage at this annual festival, complete with fly-in pancake breakfast, tours of historic homes, 5K, fishing contest, and a community bike.
Moorhead
Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival
June 24-25
A joint Scandinavian festival presented by local Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Swedish groups, this annual celebration includes a storytellers, live music, dancing, presentations, and of course—lots of Scandinavian food.
Henderson
Finding Minnesota
June 24-26
Parades, tournaments, food and music—and a sauerkraut eating contest. Are you up to the challenge?
Scandia
Midsommar Dag
June 25
Held at the lovely Gammelgarden Museum, this festival offers Swedish music, a smorgasbord, Swedish dancers, and all manner of crafts and activities. Or just enjoy a beautiful summer day at this living history site which features several original immigrant homes and buildings.
Minneapolis
Twin Cities Pride
June 25-26
Parade, Pride Night at the St. Paul Saints, concerts, picnic, art show—this is one packed weekend.
St. Paul
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
June 23-25
Enjoy a (hopefully) beautiful visit to Mears Park while soaking in the musical stylings of Michael Franti and Spearhead, the Ellis Marsalis Quartet, Russell Malone, and many others, including numerous local musicians.
Winona
Winona Dixieland Festival
June 22-25
Live Dixieland bands, all day, outside. This year's special guest is Delfeayo Marsalis. Perfect summer event.
Note: A huge variety of events and festivals are listed on the website of the Minnesota Historical Society.
What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Tuesday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.
